flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈfla-tə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

a

: the act or practice of flattering

She uses the art of flattery to her advantage.

b(1)

: something that flatters

A compliment is flattery …

—Harry Shaw

(2)

: insincere or excessive praise

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

2

obsolete : a pleasing self-deception

Synonyms of flattery

• praise
• butter
• adulation
• acclaim
• adoration
• sweet talk

Examples of flattery in a Sentence

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

a talk show host who is known for charming her guests with disingenuous flattery

Recent Examples on the Web

To date, your leaders have handled Trump with a mixture of flattery and deference. —Amanda Sloat, Time, 2 Jan. 2026

On Wall Street, speculation is often the sincerest form of flattery. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 31 Dec. 2025

This ridiculous man, who seems to value nothing besides flattery and personal enrichment, has achieved in mere months feats of which the conservative movement has dreamed for a lifetime. —Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

Such alignment can easily be misread as flattery. —Adrian Kuenzler, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see flatter entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing flattery

• flattery will get you nowhere
• self-flattery

Rhymes for flattery

• battery
• slattery

Kids Definition

flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈflat-ə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

: the act of flattering

2

: praise that is excessive or not sincere